Choose one course from the list of options below: - 340-913-DW: Philosophy and Culture
Though we might not recognize it on first glance, philosophy holds a central place in contemporary culture, as the questions addressed by philosophers—concerning the meaning of life, the nature of reality, the limits of knowledge, and the justification of our values—are precisely the questions that are posed and examined by artists and writers throughout the world, currently and throughout history. In this course, we will examine both how philosophical ideas have helped shape and define contemporary culture, and how philosophy, as a method, may offer us a number of tools to help us better understand, appreciate, navigate and communicate in an increasingly diverse and interconnected culture.
- 370-913-DW: Religion and Art
What is religious art and what makes art religious? This course will survey a variety of artistic expressions from a number of religious traditions which draw on spiritual themes, are inspired by religious experiences or texts, and which serve an important role in religious practice and belief. Some of the themes which this course will explore are: visualization and action within the cosmos, passion and religious ecstasy, the material culture of personal devotion, icons and iconoclasm, depictions of the miraculous, and the relationship between word and image. The objects and images explored will be drawn from a number of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and/or First Nations
- 502-913-DW: Culture Without Borders
As its name indicates, the course Culture Without Borders will explore and celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity in today’s world. Through selected topics related to language and culture, students will be able to recognize and appreciate trends, characteristics, and forms of expression that distinguish different societies and shed light on how they view the world. Describing, contextualizing and comparing such diverse cultural expressions will allow us to appreciate each other’s differences, but, most importantly, highlight what we all have in common. Possible class activities include selected readings, class discussions, individual and group work, audio-visual presentations, guest speakers, etc.
- 511-913-DW: Digital Art
This course is an introduction to art making with the computer. Through demonstrations, practical exercises and a series of extended projects, the student will explore the computer both as an imaginative research tool and as a viewing platform. The student will explore cultural diversity through the computer interface, situate computer imagery as a distinct and unique means of expression and will interpret a personal world view through digital art projects. Through directed critiques and discussions, the student will compare established forms of art with works in digital media and will situate the products of the digital representation in the tradition of cultural objects from here and elsewhere.
- 520-913-DW: Cave to Renaissance Art
From the first stirrings of the mythic imagination to the sensibilities of the Renaissance, this course examines the dynamic evolution of visual art and architecture of this era. Topics that connect past art production to current practice are explored targeting artworks from ancient societies and contemporary culture. Student research includes topics that encompass the pyramids of Egypt, medieval castles, Renaissance palaces, body markings and artistic enterprise within a global context. An exploration of themes such as shamanism, notions of beauty and the divine, gender, images of authority, religious and political conflict, patronage and the emergence of the artist, facilitate the student’s awareness of how visual art reflects socio-cultural aspirations and relevance. Discussion, media presentations, lectures, field trips to museums and galleries, oral presentations and written research will be key components of this course.
- 530-914-DW: Cinema and Culture
What is the cultural significance of film and related media? Cinema and Culture provides an overview of the diverse cultural responses to film. Through exposure to a range of media, from historical to contemporary, including foreign and independent films, students will learn how to contextualize and interpret the social and cultural values expressed.
- 550-901-DW: Appreciating Music
This course will help students to develop their aesthetic creative & critical listening skills. It will introduce students to the concepts and terminology required to understand and appreciate music. Through the works of outstanding artists, students will be exposed to a diversity of musical styles and genres. Students will also learn how to listen perceptively to the techniques composers use to achieve their artistic goals.
- 560-913-DW: Concept and Craft in Theatre
Students will be exposed to major movements and innovators of modern and contemporary theatre, the impact of their theories on the culture and their influence on theatre craft areas such as acting, playwriting, design, and directing. The actor’s tools will be developed through a variety of approaches to scene work with exercises to extend the vocal, physical and creative potential. Students will also attend a theatrical performance with the focus of relating this field assignment to the themes in the course.
- 585-913-DW: The Networked World
Networks have become the dominant metaphor of the 21st century. This course gives students an introduction to the art, science and theory of networks, examines a diverse range of technocultural products and practices, and explores their ramifications in the virtual, sociocultural, and physical worlds. Among other topics, this course will examine how different societies develop original forms of expression using technological tools, such as the World Wide Web. For example, how Hacktivism, new forms of Networked Art, and alternate models of audience participation and engagement such as social media, tactical media and pervasive games have emerged. Other current themes like high frequency trading, global security and surveillance programs, and crypto currencies may be presented, as well as related works by artists and designers from various cultural backgrounds.
- 603-913-DW: World Literature
World Literature, offered in the first term of the Literature Profile and open to all students in the ALC program, is a study of works from different periods and cultures in history, offering the experience of reading across a broad base of literature and culture. In this course, students will be introduced to literary texts from various regions of the world, such as the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These texts will be studied chronologically, thematically, or by region. By studying a historical range of texts from various cultures and traditions, students will gain a greater appreciation of the cultural diversity found in their own contemporary world and begin to recognize themes that unite our collective human experience. This course often includes an assignment that invites students to attend a cultural event or visit an exhibit. As well, students may be encouraged to write at least one essay that incorporates secondary research as well as literary analysis.
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